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At firstas if stricken by palsy, nor did I retain sufficient strength of body to uplift myself from the spot where I had fallen with the force of my blow Nevertheless I shall forever retain the vivid picture imprinted on nity of co, do in scornful beauty over the excited warriors at her feet Pride, power, ierish cruelty, were in every line of her features; yet she rely handsohs ly at its victims She was robed coely with her countenance, the single outer gar, devoid of ornaathered at the waist, and rese in foras, while her old, appeared to shi flames as if she wore a tiara of rubies

With quick, passionate speech she poured forth her purpose, and I saw the savage throng shrink before her, as if they knew and dreaded the outburst of her anger Yet, as she paused breathless, the old war-chief ventured to face her, returning a stern reply This disregard of her tee to the others that they rallied about their leader as onehis protest, until it was plain to be seen that the woe crew Yet the lines of determination but deepened in her face, her lips curled in scorn, and she turned from them to look dohere ere huddled in despair Aeyes swept across our upturned faces, the howls of her opponents growing fiercer on every side With one iruff voices died away ina clear, pure Spanish,use now and then of words unknown toyou interprettohaste to answer

"If you speak slowly," I said, "I shall be able to understand"

"'Tis well, as it is a tongue unknown to these Indians," her eyes lighting up with cunning "Then, Señor,of any escape your ears, bid ain, so no mistake be made"